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Trends in Transportation
What Will Meet Your Family's Needs? By Lisa Marie Metzler
Wagons are back in style and a good alternative to the minivan. Deborah Hinken, a Montague, Mich., mother of two was looking for more cargo space than her compact car offered. She took several minivans out for test drives, but settled on a Mercury Sable Wagon. "It was less expensive and offered the extra space we needed," says Hinken. "Plus it had a smoother and quieter drive than the minivans I tested."
Some of the larger wagons easily compare to the mid-size SUV or minivan when it comes to cargo space. If you're looking for adequate cargo space, but want the feel of a car, the station wagon may be the vehicle for you.
Families like the Zinkowskis also want additional features to make life less stressful on the road. For the Zinkowskis, an onboard DVD player is a must. "For those long trips or even to the grocery store, a DVD player is what we need," says Zinkowski. "Sometimes the kids are just a little wired, stressed or tired, and one of the things that calms them down is Elmo or Winnie the Pooh." Admittedly, Zinkowski says the DVD player may be more for parents than kids, but everyone benefits when the ride is less stressful. Other features the Zinkowskis look for are tinted windows to shield the kids from sun and heat.
Carpooling parents can attest that plenty of cup holders and storage cubbies will keep the mess to a minimum in the back seats. For older kids whose music tastes may differ from parents, there are rear audio control options that allow kids to choose their own music and listen with headphones. Power ports for portable sound and gaming equipment can make long road trips quieter, too.
Remember, buying bigger doesn't necessarily mean losing style. There is something out there to suit everyone's taste. Besides, you could always keep your "B.C." (before children) car for romantic weekend getaways.